AN ACT relating to highways; granting tolling authority for highways as specified; creating a highway tolling program; defining duties of the department of transportation; requiring reporting; providing rulemaking authority; and providing for an effective date.
Summary
SF0073 would create a new chapter in Wyoming law authorizing the Department of Transportation to establish a highway tolling program. The bill defines key terms, including “highway” as a public road or street that is part of the state highway system, and gives the department authority to develop the federal documentation needed to toll a highway, including materials related to planning, financing, construction, operation, maintenance, and improvements.
Before any tolling could begin, the department would have to submit the required documentation to both the Wyoming Transportation Commission and the Federal Highway Administration for approval. After receiving both approvals, the department would have to report to the Joint Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Interim Committee within 30 days. The bill also states that tolling could not be implemented unless the legislature later enacts additional legislation either granting general tolling authority or authorizing tolls on specific highways. The commission and department would also be allowed to adopt rules to carry out the program.
Impact
The bill would add new statutory authority in Title 24 for a highway tolling framework and would expand the Department of Transportation’s role in preparing tolling proposals and related federal submissions. It would not itself authorize tolls to be imposed immediately; instead, it would create the legal structure for a tolling program, require legislative follow-up before implementation, and establish reporting and rulemaking duties for the department and commission. The measure would affect state highway administration, transportation planning, and any future projects that might seek toll financing or user-fee revenue.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have had limited support and ultimately failed introduction in the Senate by a 18-12-1-0-0 vote. The sponsor list suggests interest from a bipartisan group of legislators, but the floor vote indicates that a majority did not support moving the proposal forward at this stage. Because there were no committee transcripts provided, the available record shows the bill’s reception primarily through its defeat rather than through detailed debate.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the policy of tolling highways at all, especially whether Wyoming should authorize user fees on state roads and under what circumstances. The bill is cautious in that it requires federal approval, commission approval, and additional legislative authorization before tolls can be implemented, but even this framework may have raised concerns about future costs to drivers, potential impacts on commerce and travel, and whether tolling should be available as a financing tool for highway projects. Supporters likely viewed the bill as a planning and financing mechanism, while opponents likely objected to opening the door to toll roads in the state.